Parking safety tips – Where can I park my rig?

Where can I park my truck or RV? We all know we can park at the travel centers alongside the interstate highways. Service plazas or oasis are a good spot along the toll highways.

Rest areas are my favorites the parking is usually pull through which means your rig is less likely to get backed into while you are sleeping. Some rest areas are getting free WIFI, hopefully this will become a standard all over!

Boon docking your big rig, van or RV

Everyone knows that we can park at nearly every Wal-Mart and some other stores. Yes most Wal-Marts do have signs that say no parking, no overnight parking, or no truck parking. Use your google maps app on your cell phone and click on the pin where you are at. There will be a phone icon click this to call the store. Say “I see the no truck parking signs but I want to come in and so some shopping”. I have never had a store person say I could not park to shop. If you plan to stay longer ask them how long you can park after you are done shopping.

Curbside parking in your big truck

You RV’ ers have it easier in that you can get away with some residential or mixed use areas. Trucks will get a knock on the door or worse a parking ticket. There are specific city ordinances banning semi-truck parking in many cites, if in doubt call and check. Pay attention and obey the street signs.

Safety should be you biggest concern when deciding where to park your rig for the night

Strap your doors tightly shut to slow down any would be robbers

The two areas I have been most concerned with were curbside in Los Angels California and Houston Texas. In LA there were signs that said no loitering and no Parking —–> with red paint along part of the curb. I decided to park where the curb paint ended. There were to other trucks parked nearby and the road was extra wide as if it was designed for curbside parking.

I used a cargo strap between my two doors and kept a box cutter and hard rubber mallet near my bed that night. The cargo strap is something I read about in a forum and I found someone selling a metal bar that does the same thing. The theory is if someone jimmy’s your lock or if you forgot to lock your door they will have to break your window and cut the strap to get in. In theory this will give you more time to wake up call for help and get moving.

Use common sense when parking in public areas

Look for others parked nearby

Lock and secure your doors and windows

Have an escape plan in place

Don’t drink acholol or be prepared to foot the bill for a tow truck to move you if asked to leave

Paid Parking for Big Trucks and RV’s

Parking will be easier in the western states than in the east. So consider reserving a paid spot at a travel center or campground ahead of time when on the east coast.

I go home for 4-5 days each month. This is the toughest part about trucking if you have a family or your GF / BF is not riding along with you. The closest parking is 30 miles away and it’s not secure. I decided to rent a spot on a monthly basis just to use for those few days I’ll be in my home town. The cost was $107 per month which works out to about $25 bucks a day. Make sure you get 24 hour access and a remote or key to get in and out.

Buy a property for your rig

There are some RV parks that sell lots like a condo or time share, if looking to buy a spot this might be the cheapest way to get one.

You can also buy a house or empty lot that is zoned for commercial vehicle parking. Check with the city and county zoning department, ask lots of questions and try to get something in writing before closing.